The City Office of Supplier Diversity recognizes the USDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification program, 49CFR, Part 26 and the US Small Business Administration Disadvantaged Business Certification Program. The City of Mobile and the Wave Transit System help eligible vendors become DBE-certified through the Alabama’s Universal Certification Program (ALUCP).
The ALUCP program is based on standards set by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) per 49 CFR Part 26. The ALUCP DBE Certification program works to prevent discrimination in DOT-assisted contracts. These include highway, transit, and airport financial assistance programs.
The DBE Certification creates a level playing field where eligible vendors can compete for DOT-assisted contracts. The USDOT FTA Office of Civil Rights monitors local DBE programs and makes sure they remain compliant.
The City strives to ensure that 15% or more of total contract spending goes to businesses that are DBE-certified. Being a DBE-certified business can also open up opportunities to receive mentorship and support.
To become a DBE, you must prove ownership, meet size standards, show financial stability, and be a member of a socio-economically disadvantaged group.
Getting all the necessary documents together is usually what takes the most time in the certification process. If you have everything your business needs right at hand, you can expect the City to be able to move forward with your application quickly.
Once you have submitted your application package, the Certifying Authority will check that it is complete. The Certifying Authority will notify you within 30 days if there are any issues with your submission. After that, you can expect a final notice of Certification within 90 days.
Talking to someone from the City's Office of Supplier Diversity, the Wave Transit System, or ALDOT is a great way to start.
Compile all the necessary documentation and paperwork, along with a completed DBE-Certification Application and submit it to ALDOT or The Wave Transit System.
The final step in the certification process is to host staff from The Wave Transit System and/or ALDOT as they visit your business and sit down with you to review your application package one final time.
The Office of Supplier Diversity and Wave Transit Officials will be your primary contacts throughout the process. They can help answer any questions you have about the certification process.
Ms. Archnique Kidd
Director of Supplier Diveristy
205 Government Street
Mobile, Alabama 36601
(251) 208-7967
Mr. Gerald Alfred
Director of Planning & Capital Projects
GM&O Transportation Center
110 Beauregard Street, Suite 104
Mobile, Alabama 36602
(251) 338-0100